Volvo XC90 vs Land Rover Discovery: Which Three-row Luxury SUV Offers The Most Value?

Published March 10, 2025
Views : 528
3 min read

One provides additional safety tech, while the other boasts a potent diesel powertrain, but both get a single-engine choice and three-row seating

The Land Rover Discovery has been in our market for a while, receiving model year updates to stay relevant. Despite this, it still offers a solid package with its existing features. On the other hand, Volvo recently gave the XC90 a comprehensive update while retaining its turbo-petrol engine. Both SUVs come with a seven-seat layout, making them ideal for large families.

If you are considering either of these options, then this comparison is for you, as it will help you decide which SUV suits your preferences the best.

Dimensions

Parameter	Volvo XC90	Land Rover Discovery
Length	4953 mm (-3 mm)	4956 mm
Width	1923 mm (-150 mm)	2073 mm
Height	1773 mm (-115 mm)	1888 mm
Wheelbase	2984 mm (+61 mm)	2923 mm

Although both SUVs have nearly identical lengths, the XC90 offers a 61 mm longer wheelbase, which should translate to more interior space. That said, the Discovery is taller and wider than the XC90, giving it a stronger road presence.

Features

Equipment	Volvo XC90	Land Rover Discovery
LED headlamps with DRLs	Yes	Yes
Wheel-size	20-inch alloy wheels	20-inch alloy wheels (customisable up to 22 inches)
Infotainment	11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system	11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Digital Driver’s Display	Yes, 12.3-inch	Yes, 12.3-inch
Android Auto And Apple CarPlay	Yes	Yes
Heads-up display	Yes	No
Powered front seats	Yes, with memory and massage function	Yes, with memory function
Seat Ventilation	Yes, along with heated function	Yes
Sunroof	Yes, panoramic	Yes, panoramic
Automatic climate control	Yes, four-zone	Yes, three-zone
Wireless phone charging	Yes	Yes
Sound system	19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins	14-speaker Meridian sound system
Ambient lighting	Yes	Yes
Connected car tech	Yes	Yes
Airbags	7	Multiple, including front and side
ADAS Features	Yes	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System	Yes	Yes
360-degree Camera	Yes	Yes
Electronic parking brake with auto hold function	Yes	Yes

When it comes to features, both SUVs match up well, offering essential as well as luxury amenities like a premium audio system, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, and multi-zone automatic climate control. In fact, both are also equipped with advanced safety features through ADAS. However, the India-spec Discovery misses out on features like lane-keep assist and emergency braking but includes adaptive cruise control. All of these are offered in the Volvo XC90.

Powertrain Specifications

Parameter	Volvo XC90	Land Rover Discovery
Engine Capacity	2-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech	3-litre diesel engine with mild-hybrid tech
Power	250 PS	350 PS
Torque	360 Nm	700 Nm
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	All-wheel Drive	All-wheel Drive

The powertrains of both SUVs are equipped with mild-hybrid tech, but the Discovery pairs it with a more powerful 3-litre diesel engine. In contrast, the XC90 offers mild-hybrid tech with a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine. Having said that, both SUVs feature an all-wheel-drive system mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Price and Rivals

	Volvo XC90	Land Rover Discovery
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 1.03 crore	Rs 1.34 crore to Rs 1.46 crore

Pricing-wise, the Volvo XC90 significantly undercuts the Discovery. The price gap between the two SUVs goes up to Rs 43 lakh, while the difference between the base Discovery and the XC90 is Rs 31 lakh. Apart from competing with each other, both lock horns with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Audi Q7.

Verdict

The Volvo XC90 is a clear winner in this comparison as it not only costs considerably less but also is a newer product of the two, offering a bit more in terms of safety. Meanwhile, if you prefer the prowess of a torquey diesel engine, the Discovery is your only choice. It matches the feature set of the XC90 and, like its rival, is available with a seven-seat layout as well.